A PATIENT ASKS ABOUT RECALLED MEDICATION…AND I RESPOND

Doctor Doug:

I heard on the news that one of my  medications was recalled due to chemical concerns and cancer risk.  Can you tell me what you recommend I do?

Sid

I responded

Sid;
Right now…..several blood pressure medications are being implicated with concerns of imperfect production with chemical ‘taint’.
The studies do not support any short term worries, but nonetheless, this is not ideal or acceptable over time.

Plan:
1. Call your pharmacy and check to see if your medication lot# has been recalled.

2. Get an alternative producer if your manufacturer or lot has been directly recalled, if available in that pharmacy. If not, call an alternative pharmacy to see about their medication and lots.
2. Return to our website where we will post and updated list on medications that are recalled and resources where you can locate information
3. Continue on your current medication dose and type if it is working as there may be no perfectly safe harbor until this issue is clarified.

D

LINKS

Lack of short term risk of tainted medications

https://www.tctmd.com/news/lack-short-term-cancer-risk-tainted-valsartan-reassuring

FDA RECALLS:

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/default.htm

FDA EMAIL UPDATES FOR RECALLS (SIGN UP)

http://go.fda.gov/subscriptionmanagement